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Written question asked by Crispin Blunt (Independent (affiliation)) on Wednesday, 8 November 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 November 2023 (named day). It was answered by David Rutley (Conservative) on Monday, 13 November 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Gaza: Drinking Water

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the availability of potable water in Gaza on the risk of fatalities.

Answer

The available evidence indicates that immediate action is needed to prevent death and illness from lack of sufficient safe water. According to the United Nations, 50 per cent of water infrastructure has been destroyed or heavily damaged. In response, the UK is calling for sustained, unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza so that essential aid including food, water, fuel and medical supplies can reach civilian populations. This includes calling for humanitarian pauses to ensure emergency aid can be distributed and calling for the Kerem Shalom crossing to be opened.

The UK Government has also announced £30 million in humanitarian funding and has already sent more than 51 tonnes of emergency relief for civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. This funding will support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in responding to critical food, water, health, shelter and security needs in Gaza. The UK is also calling on all parties to protect border crossings to support safe humanitarian access and mitigate harm to civilians.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
660
Session
2023-24
Registered interest declared
Yes
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Drinking water Gaza
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk